OBESITY and HEALTH

It is well known that the obesity is an excess proportion of total body fat. Woman is considered obese when her weight is 20% or more above normal weight. Body Mass Index (BMI) is usually used for objective obesity measures. Women could be considered overweight if their BMI is between 25 and 29.9 and women could be considered obese if their BMI is over 30.

Nowadays every woman knows that overweight and obesity are not healthy and associated with several health risk factors and diseases.

OBESITY HEALTH RISKS

Obesity & Infertility

The infertility rates are increased in obese women. At the same time, the obesity and overweight are typical symptoms of some types of infertility (mainly hormonal) – polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hirsute syndrome, hypothalamic disorders, irregular periods, etc.

Obesity & Cancer

According to American Cancer Society the healthy weight is more important than eating specific healthy foods, when it comes to cancer prevention. Obesity has been associated with a higher risk for cancer in general and specific cancers in particular. Some studies mentioned that food with restricting calories can reduce the risk of cancer.

As during obesity some growth factors are usually increased, they could trigger rapid cell production which can lead to different types of cancer.

Medical societies already discovered the correlation between obesity and following types of cancer - uterine and breast cancer, colon cancer, cancer of the esophagus and pancreatic cancer.

Obesity & High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the health problem most commonly associated with obesity and the greater the weight, the greater the risk. High blood pressure carries serious risks of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. Many studies have reported that modest weight loss is beneficial for reducing existing high blood pressure.

Obesity & Heart Failure

Obesity is associated with both hypertension and type 2 diabetes – both conditions put people at risk for heart failure. Evidence strongly suggests that obesity itself is a major risk factor for heart failure, particularly in women.

Obesity & Levels of Cholesterol and Lipids

There is no strong evidence about obesity associated with overall cholesterol levels but it is noted that triglyceride levels (the major form of fat storage in the body) are usually high in obese people, while HDL levels (the "good" cholesterol) tend to be low. Both conditions are risk factors for heart disease.

Obesity & Stroke

It is well known that obesity is associated with a higher risk for stroke. Obese women are at higher risk and should consider weight control as a measure of prevention.

Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes & Insulin Resistance

Most people with type 2 diabetes are obese and weight loss may be the key in controlling the current epidemic of type 2 diabetes. The common factor appears to be insulin resistance. Insulin is a critical hormone in the use of sugar. In type 2 diabetes, different factors cause the body to become insulin resistant - that is, the body can no longer respond properly to insulin. This has the effect of increasing sugar levels in the blood, the hallmark of diabetes.

Insulin resistance is also associated with high blood pressure and abnormalities in blood clotting. Some research indicates that obesity, in fact, is the one common element linking insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Obesity, Muscles & Bones

Extra weight during obesity could have additional effects and stresses on bones and muscles. Doctors discovered that the incidence of osteoarthritis is significantly increased in obese people (even in overweight people). Obesity could play a trigger role in carpal tunnel syndrome and other problems involving wrists’ and hands’ nerves.

Obesity & Lungs

It is known that during obesity symptoms of hypoxia were discovered. Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a condition that occurs in obese people, in which poor breathing leads to lower oxygen levels and higher carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
During obesity lungs could be in stress which could provoke lung diseases especially if obese person is smoking.

Obesity & Liver

People with obesity, particularly if they also have type 2 diabetes, are at higher risk for a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Obesity can cause liver damage that is similar to liver injury seen in alcoholism. During obesity the liver could be so called “locus minoris” (target for several liver pathologies).

Obesity & Gallstones

The incidence of gallstones is significantly higher in obese women. The risk for stone formation is also high if a person loses weight too quickly. It is tested that low calorie diets and/or use of ursodeoxycholic acid (Actigall) could prevent gallstones in obese women.

Obesity & Sleeping Disorders

Obesity can be the main cause of sleeping disorders. Obese women who are obese and nap tend to fall asleep faster and sleep longer during the day. At night, however, it takes them longer to fall asleep, and they sleep less than people with normal weights. In an apparent vicious circle, studies have suggested that obesity not only interferes with sleep but that sleep problems may actually contribute to obesity.

Obesity & Sleep Apnea

It is known that apple shape obesity is strongly associated with sleep apnea, which occurs when the upper throat relaxes and collapses from time to time during sleep. This collapse temporarily blocks the passage of air. Sleep apnea is increasingly being viewed as a potentially serious health problem, which may lead to complications, such as heart disease and stroke. Obstructive sleep apnea may also add to obesity.

Obesity & Depression

The frequency of obesity among depressed women is higher. But is it difficult to clarify if obesity is responsible for depression or depression making people passive and obese. In some cases of atypical depression, people overeat and may gain weight. Overweight and obese women could also become depressed because of social problems and reduced self-image. Many cases are reported when depression in women disappeared after dramatic weight loss.

OBESITY INDICATORS & HEALTH CONDITIONS

It is well known that body weight, overweight and obesity could have crucial influence at health indicators. There are several methods which can be used for objective body weight and body fat evaluation. Thanks to hundreds of scientists nowadays different indicators could show health risks based on body weight and fat distribution.

It is possible to evaluate body weight and body fatness using Body Mass Index (BMI). In order to do this, you need to know your exact height (H, in feet or meters) and weight (W, in pounds or kg). According to formula BMI = W / H2.

The following table can be used for health risks indications and recommendations:

If your BMI is somewhere between 18.5 and 24.9, you do not have to think about reducing weight because you are in the safest weight category. Any BMI that is higher than 30 indicates that you have a certain type of obesity. It is very dangerous to your health and you really need to follow a strict diet. If your BMI is over 40, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Finally, if your BMI is lower than 18.5, it means that you are underweight, that is also quite risky for your health.

It is important to highlight that BMI does not work for pregnant women and persons below 18. The concept of BMI is based on the assumption that extra weight occurs only as a result of fat deposits in your body and it does not take into account your muscle mass.

Modern medicine can indicate the following health risk factors correlated with BMI:

• The lowest risks for heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers are in people with BMI values of 21 - 25.
• The risks increase slightly when BMI values are 25 - 27.
• The risks are significant in BMIs 27 - 30.
• The same risks are dramatic at BMIs over 30.

Anyone with chronic health problems, such as heart or lung disease, stroke, or arthritis, should be concerned about extra weight.